Central vacuum system installer

Homeowners doing renovations or extensions, self-builders, small builders and developers, and people with allergies or large homes.

A fixed price per installation covering the equipment and your labour, plus a margin on the units, hoses and fittings. Servicing and replacement parts add repeat income.

• Practical DIY or building skills
• Basic electrical competence or a trusted electrician to work with
• Measuring up and quoting
• Clear communication with customers and builders

• Public liability insurance, and check whether your cover includes work inside walls and lofts
• Electrical connection of the power unit: check whether this must be done by a registered electrician
• Building Regulations: check whether venting, fire-stopping or wall penetrations affect your jobs
• Drilling through walls and floors carries a risk of hitting pipes or cables, so use detectors
• Manufacturer warranty terms and who is responsible for faults

Startup costs are estimates, typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on your tools, initial stock of units and pipework, insurance and a vehicle. Costs vary with how much you buy upfront.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,000 to £6,000, depending on how many installations you win and the size of each job. Working with builders on new builds and renovations may affect how steady the work is.

Check whether the electrical connection of the power unit must be done by a registered electrician. Also check Building Regulations on venting, fire-stopping and wall penetrations, and whether your public liability insurance covers work inside walls and lofts.